Craving a quick and delicious stir-fry that’s packed with flavor? This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry recipe is the perfect dish to satisfy your hunger! Juicy, tender beef slices are stir-fried with sweet, caramelized onions and coated in a savory sauce that’s full of umami flavor. This dish is not only super easy to make, but it also comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles, and you’ve got a meal that’s better than takeout. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
What Is Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry?
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish where thin slices of beef are quickly stir-fried with onions in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a few aromatics like garlic and ginger. The onions become slightly caramelized as they cook, adding a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the beef. This dish is known for its balance of salty, sweet, and savory flavors, along with the satisfying texture of tender beef and crisp-tender onions. It’s a staple in Chinese home cooking and an easy go-to recipe for anyone who loves Asian-inspired meals.
Ingredients List for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry:
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb beef (flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye), thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- Pinch of white pepper (optional)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color, optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- ¼ cup water or beef broth (optional, to create more sauce)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water to thicken the sauce, optional)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro
Additional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
If you want to add more layers of flavor to your Beef and Onion Stir-Fry, consider these optional ingredients:
- Bell peppers: Thinly sliced bell peppers add color and sweetness.
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms such as shiitake or button mushrooms add umami.
- Snow peas or broccoli: These veggies add texture and color to the stir-fry.
- Chili oil or dried chili flakes: For a spicy kick.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is quite flexible, and you can adjust it based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences:
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- Different proteins: You can swap the beef with chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu if desired.
- No Shaoxing wine? Use dry sherry or omit it if you don’t have either.
- Low-sodium version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the dark soy sauce to reduce the salt content.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started with making this tasty Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry! Follow these steps for a quick and flavorful dish.
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, and a pinch of white pepper (if using). Add the thinly sliced beef to the bowl and toss to coat. Let the beef marinate for at least 10-15 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. This step helps tenderize the beef and infuses it with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), and sugar. Set this sauce mixture aside to be used later in the stir-fry.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook the beef for about 2-3 minutes, until it’s browned but still slightly pink in the center (you’ll finish cooking it later). Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Onions
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed, and toss in the sliced onions. Cook the onions over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and caramelize slightly. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for another 30 seconds to a minute, until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine the Beef and Onions
Once the onions are softened and slightly caramelized, return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir everything together, then pour in the sauce mixture. Stir to coat the beef and onions evenly with the sauce. If you want a saucier stir-fry, add ¼ cup of water or beef broth at this point. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve
Once the stir-fry is done, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
How to Cook Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Marinate the beef: This step tenderizes the beef and infuses it with flavor.
- Prepare the sauce: Mix the sauce ingredients in advance for easy stir-frying.
- Stir-fry the beef: Cook the beef until browned but not fully cooked through.
- Cook the onions: Sauté the onions until soft and slightly caramelized.
- Combine and finish: Return the beef to the skillet, add the sauce, and cook until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe like Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry, there are a few pitfalls to avoid:
- Overcooking the beef: Beef can become tough if overcooked. Make sure to sear it quickly over high heat, and finish cooking it in the sauce for tender, juicy beef.
- Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so be sure to add it towards the end of cooking the onions, and stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Not slicing the beef thinly enough: Thin slices of beef cook quickly and evenly. Be sure to slice against the grain for the best texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
For a restaurant-quality presentation of your Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry, follow these tips:
- Serve over rice: Serve the stir-fry over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with noodles: You can also serve this dish with stir-fried noodles or even lo mein.
- Garnish with herbs and seeds: A sprinkle of green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds adds a pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is best served hot and fresh from the pan. Pair it with:
- Steamed rice: The sauce and tender beef are perfect over a bed of fluffy rice.
- Noodles: Stir-fry some noodles separately and toss them in with the beef and onions for a heartier meal.
- Low-carb options: Serve with cauliflower rice or stir-fried zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb alternative.
Presentation Ideas for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry
Make your dish look extra appealing with these presentation ideas:
- Serve in a shallow bowl: A wide, shallow bowl showcases the stir-fry’s colorful ingredients.
- Top with herbs and sesame seeds: A garnish of sesame seeds, cilantro, or green onions gives the dish a professional, finished look.
- Serve family-style: For a communal meal, place the stir-fry on a large platter in the center of the table for everyone to help themselves.
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry Recipe Tips
- Prep everything first: Stir-frying happens quickly, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.
- Slice the beef thinly: Slicing the beef thinly against the grain ensures it will be tender and cook evenly.
- Use high heat: Stir-frying is best done over high heat, which helps to quickly cook the meat and vegetables while keeping them crisp and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What cut of beef is best for stir-fry?
Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye are great options for stir-frying.
These cuts are tender and flavorful, especially when sliced thinly against the grain.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can marinate the beef ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. The stir-fry itself is best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in a pan or microwave.
Can I freeze the stir-fry?
It’s best to freeze the beef and onions separately from the sauce. After thawing, stir-fry them quickly, and then add the sauce to finish cooking. This prevents the beef from becoming tough.
What can I serve with this dish?
Steamed rice, stir-fried noodles, or even sautéed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy make great accompaniments to this dish.
Conclusion
There you have it—your ultimate guide to making the perfect Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry! This easy-to-make dish comes together quickly, with tender slices of beef and sweet, savory onions coated in a delicious sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving takeout-quality food at home. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles, and you’ve got a complete, mouthwatering meal. Follow these simple steps and enjoy this flavorful, satisfying stir-fry tonight!
PrintChinese Beef And Onion Stir-fry Recipe
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a flavorful and fast dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with onions and coated in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ginger. Serve this tasty stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying and healthy meal the whole family will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef (flank or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch (if using). Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Stir-fry the beef in batches until browned, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and stir-fry onions, garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft.
- Return the beef to the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over. Stir in the beef broth or water and cook for another 2 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions, over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the beef in 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil for 15 minutes before cooking.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to make it a complete meal.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
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